Cox: No going back on City Of Culture resignations

The Chairman of Limerick City of Culture says the project's former CEO has been the subject of unfair criticism.

Patricia Ryan announced her resignation yesterday saying that speculation surrounding her appointment compromised her authority to do the job.

So far four members of the board have stood down in the first week of the project and discussions are expected to take place today on replacing the vacant positions.

Pat Cox says it is unlikely those who have resigned will return to the team.

Mr Cox said: "We've drawn the line, there's no going back on this.

"Nobody asked anyone to resign, this is now a line in the sand and we are now moving forward, we are not moving backward. No-one asked anyone to resign."

Meanwhile, Ms Ryan is expected to contact Gardaí today over alleged phone hacking, according to reports.

The Irish Independent reports this morning that Ms Ryan will make a complaint to Gardaí today over the incident, after reports of her resignation circulated online at a point where she had only informed a small number of close family members.

A garda spokesperson said they could not comment on private individuals, but said they had not been made aware of any phone hacking incident by Limerick City of Culture representatives.